Photos contributed by GOALS
Out and about. Busy, going places, doing things.
We often take for granted this wonderful aspect of leading a full life. Being able to experience things that help us learn, grow, and engage with peers.
It’s a process that can be a bit more difficult, when you are living with intellectual disabilities.
Executive Directors Alannah Forgiarini and Chantel Ferguson
That’s why GOALS (Growing Opportunities for Adult Life Skills) has made getting out and about a key element of their programming for their youth and adult clients.
Executive Directors Alannah Forgiarini and Chantel Ferguson opened the doors to GOALS, located on McEwan Drive West in Bolton, in March 2020. The non-profit organization provides services to youth and adults living with intellectual disabilities in Caledon, Peel and surrounding areas.
GOALS has set itself apart from other organizations by not only offering day programming and respite services, but also branching off to employment services, overnight retreats, and hopefully the near future, culinary programming and a housing initiative.
Alannah explains their Day Program as being one that “provides individuals with the opportunity to further develop independence, life skills and to build relationships with their peers and other members of their community. We are a truly unique program that is all about providing our members with new experiences that anyone their age would want to partake in.”
GOALS also offers respite services for individuals of all ages and are designed to give participants the chance to not only develop their independence and life skills. It also seeks to give them the chance to experience something new through overnight weekend retreats.
Most recently GOALS launched a brand-new employment program in partnership with Imagine Consultations. Alannah says it is the first of its kind within Peel Region. The hub provides members the opportunity to work towards active employment, whether it be somewhere in the community or self-employment creating a business doing something that they are passionate about.
“In the very near future, we are also going to be offering a culinary program lead by a Red Seal Chef” Alannah adds. “And we are hoping to start looking into a housing initiative as well.”
GOALS currently has a wait list and would love to expand their program. Their first fundraising gala held in February 2023 was a sell-out and resulted the purchase of a van to enable all those wonderful outings. So, they are setting their sights, and their hopes, on a second successful event so they can hire additional staff and purchase a second van.
On Friday February 9th, 2024 they invite you to attend their Diamonds and Denim Gala at La Primavera Event Centre in Woodbridge. Why Woodbridge? The last event filled Caesar’s Centre in Bolton, so they need a bigger space. There will be a five-course meal, entertainment, dancing, open bar, and more.
To make this event a wonderful success they need more than attendees. They need volunteers, and Caledon community businesses who will step up and show their philanthropic side by donating prizes or becoming an event sponsor.
You can purchase Gala tickets here
View a short video that relays the impact of GOALS’ programming on their clients here
To help make the Gala a success by volunteering, donating items or sponsoring, reach out to Alannah by phone (905) 533-6547 or email [email protected]
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